How Much Are Number Plates? The Quick & Easy Guide

You’re likely here because it’s time for a new number plate.

So, the price of number plates in the UK varies depending on the type you need – whether it’s a standard replacement plate, a customised show plate, or a private registration.

Some plates are fairly cheap, while others can cost thousands, especially if you’re after a rare or personalised registration. On top of that, things like materials, fonts, and legal requirements can all affect the final price.

In this Plate Mate guide, we’ll break down the cost of different number plates, from standard DVLA-compliant plates to custom show plates, 3D and 4D designs, and even private registrations. 

Plus, we’ll cover any additional costs you should be aware of, so you know exactly what to expect before buying

Standard Number Plate Prices

If you’re just looking for a simple, road-legal replacement number plate, the cost is usually quite affordable. Standard plates must meet DVLA regulations, which means they follow strict rules on font, size, and reflectivity.

How Much Do Standard Number Plates Cost?

The price of a standard, road-legal number plate in the UK typically ranges from £15 to £50 per plate, depending on where you buy it and whether you need front, rear, or both plates.

Here’s a rough breakdown of what you can expect to pay:

• Basic standard plate (1 plate) – £15 to £25 (Plate Mate’s are priced at £11 to £15).
• Front and rear set – £30 to £50
• Fitted plates (including installation) – £40 to £70

What Affects the Price?

A few key factors can influence how much you’ll pay for a standard number plate:

• • Material: Some plates are made from acrylic, while others use eco-friendly materials (enviro plates), which can be cheaper but may not be as durable.
  • Supplier: High-street retailers and car dealerships tend to be more expensive than specialist online plate makers. 

• *Plate Mate’s prices are extremely competitive with no compromise on quality, and we don’t require any documentation, unlike UK companies.
• Extras: Some suppliers offer optional add-ons like borders, flags, or anti-theft features, which can increase the cost. *Plate Mate has no extra hidden costs!
• Delivery and fitting: Ordering online is often cheaper, but you may need to pay extra for fast delivery or professional fitting.

Are Standard Plates the Right Choice for You?

If you just need a compliant, roadworthy plate, then a standard number plate is the best and most cost-effective option. However, if you want something a little more unique, you might want to consider 3D gel plates, 4D plates, or even a private registration – which we’ll cover in the next sections.

Show Plate Prices

Unlike standard plates, show plates don’t have to follow DVLA regulations, meaning you can choose your own fonts, spacing, colours, and even add images or logos. These plates are great for car shows, garage displays, business branding, or decorative use – but they can’t be used on the road.

How Much Do Show Plates Cost?

The price of a show plate depends on the level of customisation, but here’s a general idea:

• Basic show plate (single plate) – £20 to £40
• Front and rear set – £40 to £80
• Custom designs with logos & graphics – £50+

Because show plates don’t need to meet road-legal standards, they can be made from different materials and feature completely unique designs. This means prices can vary based on the complexity of the design and the materials used. 

What Affects the Price?

Several factors influence the cost of show plates, including:

• Custom fonts and spacing: Unique lettering styles and custom spacing increase the cost.
• Logos and graphics: Adding a logo, badge, or background design raises the price.
• Material choice: Acrylic plates tend to be more expensive than basic plastic options.
• Size and shape: Custom plate shapes or oversized plates may come at a premium.

Plate Mate keeps it simple. If you can design it within the plate builder without intervention, then it is our standard low price. If design intervention is required, it is a fixed £14 fee per plate no matter the complexity.

Where Can You Use a Show Plate?

Since show plates aren’t legal for road use, they’re mainly used for:

• Car shows & exhibitions – Perfect for displaying a car with a personalised plate.
• Garage or workshop displays – A great way to decorate your workspace.
• Car showrooms and forecourts.
• Photography & film sets – Used for marketing, events, and TV productions.
• Business branding and promotional signage – Custom plates for shop displays or advertising.

Should You Buy a Show Plate?

If you’re after a fully customised plate that allows complete creative freedom, then yes a show plate is a great choice. Just remember, they cannot be used on the road, so if you need a legal plate, you’ll want to check out our standard or 3D/4D plate options.

Customise and buy your show plate.

3D & 4D Number Plate Prices

If you want to give your car a premium, eye-catching look while staying 100% road-legal, 3D gel and 4D plates are a great choice. These plates use raised lettering to create a more stylish, modern appearance, making them a popular upgrade over standard printed plates.

How Much Do 3D & 4D Plates Cost?

Because they use higher-quality materials and specialist manufacturing processes, 3D and 4D plates are more expensive than standard plates. Here’s a general price range:

• 3D Gel Number Plates (single plate) – £35 to £60
• 3D Gel Plate Set (front & rear) – £70 to £120
• 4D Acrylic Number Plates (single plate) – £40 to £70
• 4D Plate Set (front & rear) – £80 to £140
• Extras (e.g., borders, flags, tinted finishes) – £10 to £30 additional

*Please note the above prices are just estimates. However, Plate Mate’s prices are more affordable at no expense of quality.

What’s the Difference Between 3D & 4D Plates?

The main difference is that 3D gel plates feature raised gel resin characters that have a glossy, domed effect. These plates look sleek and stylish while staying road-legal.

4D plates, on the other hand, use laser-cut acrylic characters, giving the plate a sharp, bold, and more aggressive look. 4D plates are often thicker and more defined than 3D gel plates.

Why Are 3D & 4D Plates More Expensive?

For a few reasons, the main being they are made using premium acrylic and gel resin materials, and the raised lettering requires precision manufacturing.

Additionally, they offer a more luxurious, high-end appearance compared to standard printed plates, while being highly durable, resistant to weather damage, scratches, and fading.

Are 3D & 4D Plates Road Legal?

Yes! As long as they follow DVLA rules, including:

• The correct Charles Wright font
• Legal character spacing
• A fully reflective background with no illegal tints
• Supplier and British Standard markings

Buying from a trusted supplier is important, as some online sellers offer non-compliant versions. With Plate Mate, all our 3D and 4D plates meet BS AU 145e regulations, so you can drive with confidence. 

If you want a stylish upgrade to your standard plate, 3D or 4D plates are a fantastic option. Find out about 3D number plate legalities.

What About Private & Personalised Number Plate Prices?

If you want a completely unique registration, a private or personalised number plate is the way to go. These plates allow you to choose a registration that means something to you, whether it’s your initials, a special date, or a name. 

However, personalised plates can range from affordable to extremely expensive, depending on availability and demand.

How Much Do Private Plates Cost?

The price of a private number plate depends on the rarity and desirability of the registration. Here’s a general breakdown:

• Basic personalised plates (less sought-after combinations) – £150 to £500
• Plates with initials or meaningful words – £500 to £5,000
• Short or rare plates (e.g., single letters, low numbers) – £5,000 to £50,000+
• Exclusive plates (e.g., famous names, ultra-short reg numbers) – £100,000+

Some of the most expensive number plates in the UK have sold for hundreds of thousands of pounds, with single-digit and single-letter plates being particularly valuable.

Where Can You Buy a Private Plate?

You can purchase private registrations through:

• The DVLA – The most reliable source, often selling plates at auction.
• Private sellers & brokers – Some individuals and companies resell valuable registrations.
• Online number plate marketplaces – Websites that specialise in private plate sales.

Additional Costs to Consider

There are a few things you might want to consider when buying a private plate, such as:

• DVLA Assignment Fee (£80) – This applies when transferring a private plate to a vehicle.
• Retention Certificate (£80 renewal fee every 10 years) – If you’re not using the plate straight away, you may need to keep it on retention.
• Physical Number Plate Cost – Once you own the registration, you’ll still need to order a compliant number plate.

Looking to Build Your Own Number Plate?

For all your other number plate needs, you can explore our Plate Builder and start building and designing your own number plate. Whether this is a show plate or road-compliant plate, we’re your #1 plate mate.